FAQ

Frequently asked questions

These projects don't look like code. Is it really coding?

Great question. And you're right, most people, when they think of coding, think of the numbers and symbols that are most often associated with syntax. We decided, however, to base the coding projects on Blockly. Blockly is a web-based, graphical programming editor developed by Google and used by services such as code.org and MIT’s App Inventor to teach beginning coders the concepts of coding in a fun, visual way. Some of the core coding concepts that are covered in the projects using Blockly include variables, coordinates, statements, strings, and sequence.

Will there be more coding projects available for me to complete?

Yes, more coding missions are in the works. Check back soon for more awesome projects.

Why did Google launch Made with Code?

Made with Code builds on our long­-standing commitment to increasing diversity in Computer Science. Since 2010 we’ve invested $40 million in organizations like Code.org, Girls Who Code, NCWIT and Black Girls Code. We are committing an additional $50 million over the next three years to further these efforts.

We started Made with Code because even though increasingly more aspects in our lives are powered by technology, women aren’t represented in the companies, labs, research, creative arts, design, organizations, and boardrooms that make technology happen.

Computer Science can make the world more beautiful, more usable, more safe, more kind, more innovative, more healthy, and more funny, but we need to help more teen girls find relevant ways to interact with it. Along with our coalition of supporters, we’re making it our mission to creatively engage teen girls with code. And you can too!

What are coding projects?

Projects are designed to be easy on­-ramps to coding while creating something cool that you can use, share, and show off. Projects are designed to be creative, fun, and immediately rewarding. These are early building blocks that can start to prepare you for future code learning.

Ok, you’ve convinced me. What are some simple things that I can do to get the young women in my life coding?

Host a Made with Code party! We’ve got everything you will need to host a party in our online party kit. And there is no better way to break down the stereotype that coding is something you do alone in a basement than by getting a bunch of friends together to start creating cool stuff!

I’m a parent/teacher, but don’t know how to code myself. How do I talk to my daughter/student about learning to code?

Check out our party kit for advice and resources on how to have an informed discussion about code that can turn a definitive eye roll into a noncommittal shrug. And that’s where hope starts.

Where did the bracelet coding project go?

Our 3D printer’s arms are tired! Hundreds of thousands of you have already created and received 3D printed bracelets and we hope you’re showing them off. But don’t despair, there’s still tons of coding fun to be had. Take a spin with the avatar coding project or the new kaleidoscope project. And check back often for new updates and coding surprises.

I’ve completed all of the Made with Code projects and now I want to do more. What next?

Check out our Resources page
to learn about other fun things you can make with code—from a birthday card to a website.

What is Made with Code?

Made with Code is an initiative to champion creativity, girls, and code, all at once. The movement is designed to do three things: To inspire teens by celebrating women and girls who are using code to do great things; to engage teen girls to try coding through introductory projects and resources; and to sustain their interest by creating alliances and community.

I’ve never coded before. How do I get started?

We were hoping you might say that! Made with Code is meant for teen girls who have already tried coding as well as for teen girls who have never seen it before. Take your first step into the coding world with one of our introductory coding projects.

Who else is involved?

Google can’t do this alone, so we’ve reached out to many organizations to help. Visit our About page to learn more about our project partners who are helping to encourage teen girls to code.

Who can do coding projects?

Made with Code projects are intended for teen girls who have already tried coding as well as teen girls who have never seen it before.